Behold this remarkable Napoleon Bonaparte Bust. Its presence here in Los Angeles is a fascinating story in itself. This isn’t just any bust. It’s a possible early attempt by the renowned sculptor Jean-Antoine Houdon. Houdon famously sculpted Napoleon later but this earlier attempt may be lost to history except for a painting.
A painting by Louis Léopold Boilly shows Houdon at work on a bust of Napoleon. This plaster cast in the Caproni Collection strongly resembles the bust in Boilly’s painting. The hairstyle the eye expression and bold eyebrows are very similar. The coat’s embroidery and cut also match. No existing copies of this bust are signed.
A copy sits at Monticello Thomas Jefferson’s home. Jefferson likely received it to commemorate the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. Napoleon was First Consul then. Jefferson was President. The bust has also been attributed to Antoine-Denis Chaudet another sculptor who created a famous Napoleon bust.
The bust’s journey from possibly the hands of Houdon to Los Angeles is unknown. It’s a testament to Napoleon’s enduring impact. The bust stands as a tangible link to a pivotal era in history. It reminds us of Napoleon’s power and influence extending even to the New World. The bust’s presence offers a unique opportunity to reflect on a pivotal moment in history and art. We can contemplate Napoleon’s ambition and Jefferson’s shrewdness. This Napoleon Bonaparte Bust is more than just a sculpture. It is a silent witness to the enduring legacy of a remarkable figure. It’s a piece of history right before your very eyes.